Pyracantha

Pyracantha, also known as firethorn, is a genus of large, thorny evergreen shrubs in the Rosaceae family. Derived from the Greek words for "fire" and "thorn," Pyracantha is native to a vast region stretching from Southwest Europe to Southeast Asia. Resembling Cotoneaster but distinguishable by its serrated leaf margins and numerous thorns, Pyracantha is characterized by its bushy growth, dark green ovate to lance-shaped leaves, and white flowers that bloom in early summer. These flowers give way to spherical, scarlet fruit. While most Pyracantha varieties are heavily thorned, some cultivars, like this one, have fewer thorns. With ten species in total, Pyracantha is found in Mediterranean countries and temperate zones of Asia. These broadleaf evergreen plants can grow up to 6 meters tall, with small, glossy, dark green leaves that grow in clusters or alternately. The twigs bear sharp thorns that can cause painful wounds. In spring, clusters of small, white, slightly fragrant flowers appear, followed by yellow, orange, or red berries that adorn the tree from late summer until winter, unless they are devoured by birds. It is important to note that the leaves, fruit, and seeds of Pyracantha contain hydrogen cyanide and are hence slightly poisonous and bitter to humans.